From 1 January 2027, Singapore will expand its national HPV vaccination programme to include the 9-valent human papillomavirus (HPV9) vaccine, offering broader protection against HPV types associated with cervical cancer.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced that HPV9 will be added to the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS), National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) and Subsidised Vaccine List (SVL).
With January marking Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the upcoming changes provide a timely opportunity for women and families to review their HPV vaccination options and cervical health needs.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus transmitted primarily through intimate skin-to-skin contact. While many infections clear naturally, persistent infections with certain high-risk HPV types can cause abnormal cervical cell changes that may eventually develop into cervical cancer.
HPV vaccination helps prevent infection from specific HPV types. It is generally most effective before exposure to the virus.
Previously, the HPV2 vaccine (Cervarix) was included in Singapore’s national immunisation schedules. From January 2027, HPV9 (Gardasil 9) will become an additional option, while HPV2 remains available.
Both vaccines protect against HPV types 16 and 18, which account for approximately 70% of cervical cancers.
HPV9 provides protection against five additional cancer-associated HPV types, increasing coverage to types associated with approximately 90% of cervical cancers. It also protects against HPV types 6 and 11, which cause most genital warts.
| HPV2 (Cervarix) | HPV9 (Gardasil 9) | |
|---|---|---|
| HPV types covered | 16, 18 | 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58 |
| Cervical cancer-related HPV type coverage | Approximately 70% | Approximately 90% |
| Genital wart protection | Not indicated | Covers HPV types 6 and 11 |
These percentages reflect the proportion of cervical cancers associated with the HPV types covered, not a guaranteed level of protection for every individual.
Under Singapore’s national immunisation schedules, HPV vaccination is recommended for females aged 9 to 26 years.
The number of doses depends on the age at which vaccination begins.
| Age at First Dose | Recommended Doses |
|---|---|
| 9–14 years | 2 doses |
| 15–26 years | 3 doses |
Females who started but did not complete their HPV vaccination series by age 26 may complete their remaining doses after turning 26, preferably as soon as possible and up to age 45.
For those who have previously received HPV vaccination:
From January 2027, HPV9 will also replace HPV2 for eligible female students who have not completed their vaccination series under Singapore’s school-based HPV vaccination programme.
From 1 January 2027, eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents will be able to receive government subsidies for HPV9 vaccination.
| Eligible Group | Available Subsidies |
|---|---|
| Singapore Citizen children | Full subsidies at participating CHAS GP clinics and polyclinics |
| Singapore Citizen adults | Means-tested subsidies of up to 75% at participating CHAS GP clinics and polyclinics |
| Permanent Residents | Subsidies at polyclinics, subject to eligibility |
MediSave use will also be extended to HPV9 vaccination for eligible individuals under the national immunisation schedules, subject to the MediSave Chronic and Preventive Care limits of $700 or $1,000 per calendar year, depending on eligibility.
These are overall annual withdrawal limits for qualifying chronic and preventive care expenses, not amounts reserved solely for HPV vaccination.
Government subsidies and MediSave use will not apply to additional HPV9 doses for individuals who have already completed their recommended vaccination course.
Eligible individuals may arrange vaccination appointments at Healthsprings Medical Clinics.
Although HPV9 provides broader protection, HPV vaccination does not replace regular cervical cancer screening.
Vaccination helps prevent certain HPV infections, while screening detects high-risk HPV infections or abnormal cervical cell changes that may require further assessment.
In Singapore, routine screening is recommended for women aged 25 and above who have ever had sexual intercourse.
| Age Group | Recommended Screening | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 25–29 years | Pap test | Every 3 years |
| 30 years and above | HPV test | Every 5 years |
These recommendations apply to routine screening for women at average risk. Individual screening schedules may vary depending on medical history and previous results.
Women experiencing unusual vaginal bleeding, bleeding after intercourse or persistent abnormal vaginal discharge should seek medical assessment rather than waiting for their next screening appointment.
The inclusion of HPV9 in Singapore’s national immunisation schedules from January 2027 will give eligible women and girls greater access to broader HPV protection.
As Cervical Cancer Awareness Month approaches, it is a good time to review your vaccination history and ensure that you are up to date with recommended cervical cancer screening.
At Healthsprings Medical Clinics, our doctors provide women’s health consultations and cervical cancer screening services, including Pap tests and HPV testing.
Contact Healthsprings Medical Clinics to arrange a consultation.
Newsletter
